14 Facts About Tony Grande

Anthony William Grande was a politician in Ontario, Canada.

Tony Grande served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1975 to 1987, as a member of the New Democratic Party who represented the Toronto riding of Oakwood.

Tony Grande was born in Calabria, Italy, and moved to Canada with his family at age eleven.

Tony Grande was educated at the University of Toronto, Lakeshore Teacher's College and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and worked as a teacher with the Toronto District School Board.

Tony Grande died of cancer on August 9,2006, following a four-year illness.

Tony Grande was elected to the Ontario legislature in the 1975 provincial election, and re-elected in 1977,1981 and 1985.

Tony Grande served as NDP education critic in the early 1980s, and was reassigned as critic for citizenship, culture and special issues of education in 1983.

Tony Grande supported Bob Rae's successful campaign for the NDP leadership in 1982, and was asked to relinquish his seat to allow Rae to run for a position in the legislature.

Tony Grande declined, arguing that the local Italian community in his riding would be upset if he were forced to resign in favour of a non-Italian.

Tony Grande was a strong advocate for multiculturalism and multicultural services during his time.

Tony Grande supported minority language rights in education, and in 1986 he introduced a Private Member's Bill that would have made it easier for students to be taught in languages other than English or French.

Tony Grande supported the rights of tenants, and promoted legislation to permit persons over sixteen years of age to gain access to their medical records.

Tony Grande lost his seat to Liberal star candidate Chaviva Hosek, and worked as a health and safety officer after leaving office.

Tony Grande campaigned for Mayor of York in 1988, describing the city's government as a "family compact" and promising to fight for an increased share of Metropolitan Toronto's tax base.